Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.

Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.

Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: Insurance Issues

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As a person who is in treatment, the of most concern is health insurance.

The documents in “To Learn More” provide information about understanding and maximizing the different types of private health insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-cal in California).

As you will see, it helps to understand the concept behind the coverage you have to get an understanding of the steps you need to take for insurance purposes (if any) before seeing a doctor, having a test or taking a treatment and what is and is not covered. Underlying concepts are not difficult to understand. They also give you an idea of what you can argue for the medical care you want is not covered.

In particular, learn about coverage for the doctors you are seeing, the treatment that you are undergoing, coverage for side effects and coverage for additional needs such as home care.

If you are denied coverage for something you think should be covered, appeal. This is particularly the case if what you need would save the insurer money. For example, if home care is not covered but what you need can be done at home for a great deal less expense than going into a hospital which is covered. Experience shows that appeals are worth the time and effort.

If you have a tax advantage health savings account, our document in “To Learn More” explains how to maximize the benefit.

NOTE:

Continue to pay premiums for all insurance you have in force.

If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get it despite your diagnosis. If you don’t feel up to start looking at this time, at least start thinking about how to get coverage. You can take action when things settle. See “To Learn More.”

If you get an opportunity to get life insurance or increase the death benefit of any life insurance you already have, take it. You can get money from a life insurance while still alive if your have a shortened life expectancy. This is known as a viatical settlement or a life settlement.

Likewise, if you have disability insurance: check to see if the income will be enough for your needs if you become disabled. If not, start thinking about an opportunity to increase the benefit.

When you are on the other side of treatment, revisit the insurance sector to find out if there are other insurance coverages you should consider. You have enough on your plate at this point. This subject can wait.